Chrysler: Detroit assembly plant produces 5 millionth vehicle

Robert Ridley, a 49-year worker at Chrysler, smiles for a photo in front of Jefferson North Assembly Plant's 5 millionth vehicle produced, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland in Detroit Monday, Aug. 13. The first vehicle the plant produced was the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com)

DETROIT- One of Chrysler Group LLC’s most well-known assembly plants celebrated production of its 5 millionth vehicle Tuesday morning.

The vehicle, a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, rolled off the line at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant at about 2:30 a.m. in Detroit.

Chrysler officials and about 50 employees who have worked 30 or more years at the massive 3 million-square-foot facility were part of a special ceremony this morning celebrating the milestone vehicle.

“I had the privilege of being plant manager here in 2000, working alongside this very skilled workforce,” said Chrysler Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Scott Garberding, in a release. “Now as the head of manufacturing, I continue to be impressed by the commitment that is demonstrated here every day.”

The plant, also known as JNAP, has been producing vehicles in Detroit since 1992. It was built in 1991 and produced the first Jeep Grand Cherokee in January 1992. It continues to produce the highly-successful Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as the Dodge Durango sport utility vehicle.

Chrysler is donating the 5 millionth vehicle to the USO, as part of a multi-faceted partnership between the Auburn Hills-based automaker and the military service organization.

In January 2012, Chrysler announced that it would add a third crew or 1,100 jobs in the first quarter of 2013. Then in April 2012, the Company announced that it was pulling ahead its plans to add the new jobs in November 2012. The third crew actually started on Oct. 29, 2012.